[C320-list] Toilet Smells

[Steve Weinstein]

 Dave,
I had a similar problem on my former boat, a 1994 C270.  I read a few articles on the issue of persistent smells and did a few things that eliminated the problem.  First, I cleaned the waste tank out.  Used some cleaner in it, topped up the tank with fresh water and had it pumped out.  Then refilled the tank about half way, took the boat out and bounced it around, and topped the tank again and had it flushed.  Changed all the hoses.  While changing the hoses, I found that the mascerator pump was leaking.  I changed the pump and hoses.  Catalina had vented the tank through two tiny holes in one of the lifeline stanchions.  Worthless.  They were plugged up and could not be cleaned.  Too small anyway.  I installed a gas tank vent in the side just below the rub rail, with a built-in screen to keep the bugs out.  After that, I used fresh water from the sink only to flush the toilet.  I used bilge cleaner to clean up the leakage from the pump.  No more smell problems.
I like the idea of the extra water tank over the fuel tank.  Might have to look into doing that, add it to the list.
Steve Weinstein2000 C320 #722, Vega

    On Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at 02:40:48 PM EDT, Dave Hupe via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:  
 
 To try to eliminate smells I had replaced every associated hose (sanitary, water supply and vent).  I also exclusively use fresh water flush (spray from head sink).  I also replaced the toilet joker valve. Lastly, I use Raritan K.O. and C.P in the toilet and tank https://fishbrain.com/shop/gear/100157340/raritan-potty-pack-wko-kills-odors-and-cp-cleans-potties-1-of-each-32oz-bottles

Improved but not completely resolved!
A previous owner had installed a larger waste tank. I suspect that they had possibly overfilled the original tank and had leakage somewhere.  Leakage from the tank area or leaking hoses/connections could migrate into the boat's structural grid.  I may still have previous residue that has not been cleaned up and I don’t  know how to remove it short of flooding the area with a bleach solution ( and I am not anxious to intentionally flood anything). 
Another item that many have mentioned is replacing the outside vent to a larger one to eliminate odors.  I have not yet tried to tackle that since there is not a lot of working room, but can attest to the fact that the vent hose coming out of the tank is 3/4 inch diameter but the stock vent fitting accepts smaller hose 1/2 inch. When I replaced my hoses, I installed a reducer to assure that the hose was tight on the vent barb. The original vent hose was not tight. 
Dave Hupe 
1994 C320 #32